James Tomkins and James Collins closing on West Ham United returns

West Ham United’s Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has told London 24 that both James Tomkins and James Collins are nearing returns to fitness.

Tomkins has been out since the start of February with a calf injury, while Collins damaged his hamstring at the start of the month.

Although the pair will not be fit for the Hammers’ match against Chelsea on Saturday, Vandenbroucke has confirmed that they are very close to making a return.

“James Tomkins (calf) and James Collins (hamstring) are injured, but both are in the final stages of their rehab,” he said. “James Tomkins is almost finished and will re-join training later this week, while Ginge will return to training during the international break.”

Tomkins’ and Collins’ returns will be hugely important for West Ham, and will make manager Slaven Bilic’s defensive options look far stronger.

The Hammers have coped well without the duo, however, and continued with their brilliant form.

West Ham have lost just two of their last 20 matches, and even injuries do not seem to have slowed them down.

Tomkins and Collins will now return with their side chasing down a top four spaces.

Bilic’s side are currently two points away from the Champions League spaces, and they could move ahead of Manchester City if they are able to win at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.